The eyes are one of the most noticeable features on your face. They serve as the windows of the soul, showing emotion, letting others know when you’re happy, excited, or tired. Your eyes are also an area that shows aging first, especially in the “bags” beneath them – the tear troughs. Fortunately, there are tear trough treatments to help this area look younger and more awake.
Contact us today to learn more about our tear trough treatments in Houston, TX, or schedule a free consultation today!
What are Tear Troughs?
The tear trough is the area between the lower eyelid and the cheek. It’s a deep crease that can appear darker, especially when you haven’t gotten enough sleep or when you’re sick. The tear trough may create a shadow that causes you to look tired or older.
Since facial tissue loses volume with age, your tear troughs may become more prominent as you get older. This is commonly referred to as puffy, baggy, or tired eyes. However, some people have them even when they’re younger because they inherited them from a family member.
Non-Surgical Solutions
Tear troughs don’t have to be a permanent problem that add years of age to your face. Treatments exist to fill in those troughs and make them less noticeable. Both surgical and non-surgical options are available to help your eyes – and entire face – appear younger.
Tear Trough Filler
A tear trough filler is one such non-surgical treatment. The doctor will inject a dermal filler into the area, which adds volume that creates a fuller look. The skin will appear tighter, and the depth of the trough is lessened, which means less of a shadow under your eyes.
Though several types ofdermal fillers exist, the one most often used around the eyes is hyaluronic acid. This substance is naturally produced by the body and its benefits have been harnessed to create effective filler treatments. Juvederm® is one such product that is popular for use in the eye area due to its ability to make the area appear wider and more youthful.
Tear Trough Threads
Another type of treatment that is gaining traction in the non-surgical treatment arena is tear trough threads. This treatment uses threads to tighten the skin and smooth out fine lines. It can help improve elasticity of the skin around the eye area.
Tear Trough Mesotherapy
Some choose to improve their undereye area through a treatment called tear trough mesotherapy. By carefully placing small injections offacial fillers within the middle layer of skin, you can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. The product used provides nourishment and hydration for the skin to help it appear plump and firm.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Non-Surgical Treatments
If you’re considering a treatment for your tear troughs, you’ll find many benefits to taking a non-surgical route. One reason some may opt to pursue a non-surgical procedure is because of cost. Since these treatments can be done in the physician’s office, expenses are greatly reduced without the need for an operating room or general anesthesia.
Another reason is because the results are temporary but immediate. There is little recovery time, which means you can enjoy your new look right away. The results last for one to two years, which allows you to decide if you want to keep up the treatments. Of course, this is also the main disadvantage because you must plan to have the treatments done again in the future to maintain the results.
Surgical Solutions
For those who want a more permanent solution to the years added by their tear troughs, there are surgical procedures to consider. Two of the most well-known are tear trough implants and a lower blepharoplasty procedure.
Tear Trough Implants
As the name suggests, tear trough implants place an implant under the skin beneath the eyes to fill out the area. The implants are permanent, but the procedure has become outdated as facial fillers have taken over. Since the fillers last for one to two years, more people are opting for the less invasive procedure over a surgery.
Lower Blepharoplasty Procedures
A lower blepharoplasty is a permanent surgical procedure that removes the excess skin and fat from under the eyes. The skin that is left is smoother with no shadow effect. Your eyes will look more youthful with results that last.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Surgical Treatments
The main benefit of surgical treatments for your tear troughs is that the results are permanent. While your face will continue to change with age, the improvements won’t go away.
The primary disadvantage of surgery for treating tear troughs is the cost. Surgery is much more expensive than fillers, which can be an obstacle for getting the treatment you want. There is also more downtime as you wait for the incisions to heal. It will take some time for the results to be noticeable.
Contact Us Today
If you’re tired of being asked if you don’t feel well or of working so hard to cover up those shadows under your eyes with makeup, it’s time to take the next step to a younger-looking you.Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Leo Lapuerta to discuss the best options for reducing your tear troughs. Dr. Lapuerta will answer your questions and help you decide if a surgical or non-surgical procedure is right for you. Soon, you’ll once again be proud of the rested, youthful person staring back at you in the mirror.